Book your Connecticut license renewal appointment online or by phone before you visit
Connecticut requires you to schedule an appointment before renewing your driver's license in person. You cannot walk into a DMV branch without one. The Connecticut DMV operates an online appointment system where you can pick your date, time, and location up to 60 days in advance. If you prefer to book by phone, you can call the DMV directly, though wait times are often longer than booking online.
The online system is faster and shows you real-time availability. You will need your current Connecticut driver's license number or your Social Security number to start the booking process. The appointment itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you arrive, though you should plan to be there 10 minutes early.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule your appointment through the Connecticut DMV website (ct.gov/dmv) or by calling 860-263-5700 at least a few days before you want to renew.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.
- Standard license renewals cost $127 for an eight-year license; Real ID compliant licenses cost $150 for the same period.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening, not just renew by appointment.
What documents to bring to your Connecticut DMV appointment
Bring your current Connecticut driver's license as your primary form of identification. You will also need one document that proves your current address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Have your Social Security number ready. If you are renewing a Real ID compliant license (the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner), bring the same documents plus your original birth certificate or passport. If you changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Renewing online versus in person in Connecticut
Connecticut does not offer full online renewal for standard driver's licenses. You must visit a DMV branch in person for any renewal. However, if your license is not expired and you only need to update your address or name, you can do that by mail by sending a completed DL 43 form with proof of the change and your current license to the DMV.
Real ID renewals must happen in person. If you are upgrading from a standard license to a Real ID compliant license, you cannot do that by mail — you must schedule an appointment and bring your original birth certificate or passport.
Connecticut DMV branch locations and appointment availability
Connecticut operates DMV branches in Wethersfield (the main office), Danbury, Hamden, Waterbury, and Norwich. The Wethersfield location handles the most appointments and typically has the most availability. Smaller branches fill up faster, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.
When you book online, the system shows you which branches have open slots for your preferred date range. If your nearest branch is fully booked, you can often find an appointment at a branch 20 or 30 minutes away within a few days. The online system updates availability throughout the day, so if you do not see an opening, check back later or the next morning.
What happens if your Connecticut license is expired or suspended
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it at your appointment with no additional steps. If it has been expired for more than two years, the DMV treats it as a new license process. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision screening. You may also need to provide proof of Social Security number and residency again.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension with the DMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Contact the DMV directly at 860-263-5700 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it before you can renew.
License renewal fees and what you get
A standard eight-year Connecticut driver's license renewal costs $127. A Real ID compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025) costs $150 for eight years. Both prices include the license itself and the appointment fee.
If you want a Real ID and your current license is not Real ID compliant, you will pay the $150 fee instead of $127. The Real ID has a gold star in the upper right corner and requires you to bring your original birth certificate or passport to your appointment. Standard licenses without the star do not require those documents.
Rescheduling or canceling your Connecticut DMV appointment
You can reschedule or cancel your appointment through the same online system where you booked it. Log in with your license number or Social Security number, find your appointment, and select the option to change or cancel it. You can also call 860-263-5700 to make changes, though the phone line is often busy during peak hours.
If you cancel, you lose your appointment slot but not any fee — there is no cancellation charge. If you need to reschedule, do it as soon as you know you cannot make your original time. Popular time slots fill up quickly, especially at the Wethersfield branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Connecticut license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. Connecticut requires you to be a resident to hold a Connecticut driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Connecticut resident, you can renew by mail using the DL 43 form, or you can wait until you return to schedule an in-person appointment.
What if I cannot find an appointment time that works for me?
Check the online system every few days — cancellations open up slots regularly. You can also try booking at a different branch location. If you are willing to travel, smaller branches like Norwich or Danbury sometimes have more availability than Wethersfield. As a last resort, call 860-263-5700 to ask if the DMV can add you to a waitlist for a specific branch or date.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my Connecticut license?
Not yet, but you will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have a gold star, you can renew it as a standard license now and upgrade to Real ID later. Upgrading costs an extra $23 and requires your original birth certificate or passport.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must report it lost and explore for a replacement. Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 or visit a branch in person to file a lost license report. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually around $30) and provide identification. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it at your next renewal date.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
No. You must be present at your appointment to have your photo taken and to sign your new license. The DMV will not issue a license to anyone but the person whose name is on it. Plan to attend your appointment yourself.